How to grow Garden Pea in the UK
Pisum sativum
Garden Pea (Pisum sativum) is a vegetable that grows well in UK gardens. Eat raw straight from the pod — they don't taste like that anywhere else. This guide covers when and how to sow Garden Pea, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
When to sow & grow Garden Pea
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb | Mar Sow | Apr Sow | May | Jun Harvest | Jul Harvest | Aug Harvest | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Fertile, free-draining soil enriched with garden compost
- Soil pH
- 6.5–7.0 (neutral)
- Position
- Open, sunny site
- Sowing depth
- 4 cm
- Spacing
- 7 cm apart in double rows 45 cm
- Sowing
- Sow Mar–Jun direct; net from birds
- Growing
- Support with twigs/netting; water at flowering
- Harvest & upkeep
- Pick from the bottom up to prolong cropping
- Watch for
- Pea moth, mice eating seed, mildew
Companion planting for Garden Pea
Grows well with:
Keep apart from:
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Garden Pea FAQs
When should I sow Garden Pea in the UK?
In the UK, sow Garden Pea in March, April. Sowing across these months gives the plant the right soil temperature and day length to establish well.
What grows well with Garden Pea?
Garden Pea grows well alongside Carrot, Cucumber, Mint, Radish, Rosemary, Summer Savory. Good companions can deter pests, attract pollinators or make better use of space.
What should you not plant near Garden Pea?
Keep Garden Pea away from Chives, Florence Fennel, Fennel, Garlic, Leek, which can compete with it or share pests and diseases.
How much sun does Garden Pea need?
Garden Pea prefers full sun (6+ hrs direct).
When is Garden Pea ready to harvest?
Garden Pea is typically ready to harvest in June, July, August in the UK.
Is Garden Pea easy to grow?
Easy — good for beginners. Eat raw straight from the pod — they don't taste like that anywhere else.